bike

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to ride a bicycle

   I biked to work in the heat.

2. 2
   noun

   Clipping of bicycle.

   It's called a gravel bike, and seems to combine the advantages of both road and mountain bikes – with a similar ability to lap up the miles on tarmac as a road bike, while still being very capable off-road.

3. 3
   noun

   Any vehicle sharing some characteristics with a bicycle or motorbike, such as pedal power, a handlebar, or a saddle.

   He warmed up the engine; the bike hovered off the ground despite his weight and the extra equipment.

4. 4
   verb

   To ride a bike.

   I biked so much yesterday that I'm very sore today.

5. 5
   verb

   To travel by bike.

   It was such a nice day I decided to bike to the store, though it's far enough I usually take my car.

6. 6
   verb

   To transport by bicycle.

   I biked them the letters.

7. 7
   noun

   A hive of bees, or a nest of wasps, hornets, or ants.

   like blue bottle flees in a blink of sunshine, […]A bonny bike there’s o’ them!

8. 8
   noun

   a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals

Etymology

From Middle English bike, byke (“a nest of wild bees or wasps; also, honeycomb”), of unknown origin. Perhaps a back-formation of Middle English *bykere (“beekeeper”), from Old English bēocere (“beekeeper”); or from Old English *bȳc, a byform of Old English būc (“belly; vessel; container”). Compare also Scots byke (“beehive, anthill; home, dwelling”), Old Norse bý (“bee”).